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Rhiannon Berry
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(As If Fishing Wasn't Fun Enough Already!)

The Northern Challenge Fishing Derby

The Northern Challenge Fishing Derby is slated for February 1st, 2025, and ready to rock and roll in Tupper Lake! Previous participants will be spoiled with the events, activities, and prizes that we all know and love. Considering the Derby as a first timer? We promise it lives up to the hype. Read on to see what the fuss is about and how to sign yourself up! You don't want to miss out on this epic event!

A group of individuals pose together on the ice before enjoying a day of ice fishing.

Come fish in one of the largest ice fishing tournaments in NY state!

Each year, on the first Saturday in February, anglers from far and wide travel to Tupper Lake for the annual Northern Challenge Ice Fishing Derby. This catch-and-release northern pike contest populates Simon Pond with over a thousand fishermen and fisherwomen who compete for over $40,000 in cash and prizes. Whether you are a participant or a spectator, this is a "must see" event to add to your winter calendar!

A man releases a caught fish back into the water through a hole in the ice.

Quick need-to-know facts

Are you ready to test your line against the rest? Here is everything you need to know to sign up for this year's event, hosted by the Tupper Lake Sportsmen's Club!

Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025

Time: Tournament begins promptly at 7:00 a.m. and continues until 3:00 p.m.

Location: Simon Pond, Tupper Lake, NY (Tupper Lake Sportsmen's Club, located at 116 Lake Simond Road, Tupper Lake, NY, 12986)

Participant Fee: $35.00

A woman poses on the ice with a caught fish.

Register online or in person!

Signing up for the 2025 Northern Challenge Fishing Derby is easier than ever! All the information you will need can be found here. The biggest decision you have to make is whether or not you will put your name into the Lunker Pool. (Hint: you want to put your name into the Lunker Pool. Keep reading to learn why!) Participants can also register in-person on the day of the Derby. In-person registration begins at 4:00 a.m. Bring your coffee! Mail-in registrations are no longer being accepted.

A caught fish is weighed in at a booth.

Prizes:

In addition to all the fish and all the fun, the Northern Challenge Fishing Derby is known for awarding some pretty incredible prizes. Here is a list of what you could win in 2025:

  • A total of over $40,000 in cash and prizes.
  • $800 is given away every hour for the largest fish.
  • Over $6,500 in miscellaneous door prizes — including, but not limited to: power augers, ice fishing shelters, an underwater camera, fish finders, a Go Pro Camera system, tip-ups, gift certificates, and more. 
  • Two 4-wheelers will also be given away as door prizes.
  • A "Lunker Pool" (where half of what is taken in goes to the person with the largest pike) 
  • Lucky Fish Drawing - 1 drawing every hour for 8 hours. Winner takes home $50 just for entering a fish!
  • Plus five 50/50 raffles

In the case of unsafe ice, all prizes will be given at noon by random drawings. You must be present to win!

A man and small boy prepare a hole in the ice to go fishing.

Questions? 

Contact Scott at (518) 359-2482. We can't wait to see you out on the ice!